Beninoise Arraigned Over Friend’s Death

A 22-year old Beninoise, Erman Kodo, was arraigned in Lagos on Wednesday for allegedly killing his friend, following a fight arising due to a misunderstanding.

The defendant, who resides at No. 10, Motakun Village, Agbowa-Ikosi, Lagos, is facing a charge of unlawful killing before an Ebute-Meta Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

The prosecutor, Inspector Fred Asu, told the court that the defendant, on 24 September, was involved in a quarrel with the deceased, Wasiu Balogun (26), while they were settling a fight with their neighbour.

According to the prosecutor, the defendant brought the deceased, who is also from Cotonou, to Lagos.

He said they were living together and on the day of the incident, the deceased had a fight with one of their neighbours.

Asu said the defendant tried to stop them but the deceased misunderstood his intention and started fighting him (defendant).

According to the prosecutor, both the deceased and defendant had wooden planks in their hands.

He alleged that the defendant hit the deceased on the face and he started bleeding, resulting in his death.

Asu said the alleged offence contravened Section 221 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

The defendant’s plea was not taken by Magistrate M.O Olajuwon, who ordered that he be remanded in Ikoyi Prison, pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

She adjourned the case till 19 December for mention.